Teaching in the USA Interview Tips (For Agency Interview, School Interview, Visa Sponsor

Interview)

Q: Why did you become a teacher?

A: This question allows for the candidate to explain their decision to get into teaching. Each
answer will be unique to the individual and will give insight into their motivation for choosing
the career path that they have.
Example:
“I decided to become a teacher because of my high school Philosophy teacher Mr. Holtkamp.
His students really responded to his teaching style and it completely changed the way that I saw
the world. He treated us like mature and intelligent individuals and was able to impart his
passion for the subject matter into the curriculum. He provided a framework for the students to
lead discussions and critical analysis of abstract philosophical and existential questions that
really engaged all of us. He was a fantastic teacher and inspired me to pursue teaching.”

Q: Why do you want to work at this school?

A: This question is designed to see if the candidate has done their homework on the particular
school and school district. Before interviewing, it is critical that the applicant prepare to ask and
answer questions relating to the reputation, students, scores, etc. of the school or school district.
Example:
“I would like to work at Santa Margarita because of the excellent reputation it has for academics,
athletics, and quality of education. Students are challenged to push themselves and the
abundance of AP and IB classes show that the school gives them the opportunity to succeed. It is
also well known that the parents are active in their children’s education and I believe that is one
of the most critical aspects of a successful education. It is also well known that the teachers here
are passionate about what they teach and it shows with performance and test scores.”

Q: What kinds of qualities do students look for in teachers?

A: This question evaluates the candidate’s ability to see themselves from the perspective of the
student. Everyone has a different teaching style and students react differently to different styles.
Example:
“I think that students look for passion and credibility and can easily see when one or both are
present or absent. Teachers have different styles, but the passion and drive of a teacher is
essential. Teaching is a difficult job, but it is also one of the most important. Students need to
know that you are working hard, expect them to do the same, and will grade them fairly while
guiding them through the critical thinking process.”

Q: What personality traits do teachers need to be successful?

A: This question evaluates a candidate’s ability to assess the role and determine what is required
for success. This will allow the candidate to assess their own requirements as well as those
required by the administration.
Example:
“I think that teachers need to have patience, flexibility, and self-discipline to be successful.
Teaching can be difficult and frustrating, but it is extremely rewarding and it takes a certain type
of individual to excel. Teachers have to consider state/local testing objectives when creating
lesson plans while making sure that students are able to master the subject material beyond what
is going to be on a test. Students also have different methods of learning and a teacher must be
able to adapt their lessons to ensure that all students are engaged and able to learn the material.”

Q: How do you approach discipline and what role does it play in learning?
A: Teachers routinely deal with discipline issues in the course of their daily activities. It is
extremely important for a candidate to explain how they view discipline and what role it plays in
the classroom. Discipline is an important part of maintaining an effective learning environment
and largely depends on teaching style, age of students, and district policies.
Example:
“I believe that discipline is an important part of the learning process. I approach it by clearly
explaining what is expected and what the limits are in my syllabus as well as my initial class
orientation. Discipline is the foundation of respect in the classroom and accountability from the
students. In my experience, students do not respond well to forceful discipline. They want a
framework where they agree to the rules, are respected as individuals, and are held accountable
for their decisions and actions.”

Q: How do you interact with parents?

A: This question is designed to assess how the candidate interacts with parents. Parents are an
important part of the learning process and teachers must have the ability to communicate with
them in a positive way to help the students be successful.
Example:
“Parents play a critical role in supporting their child’s education. I feel that it is extremely
important to engage them and ensure that a student is set up for success. I provide contact
information for parents and encourage them to contact me if they have any questions about their
child’s performance or progress. I believe in sending home periodic updates about what they
children are learning and what is being accomplished in the classroom. This way, parents are
able to ask their children how things are going and discuss the current curriculum and major tests
and projects. I approach parental communication in a way that puts us all on the same team with
the same goal, which is ensuring the success of the student.”

Q: How have state, local, or common core standards affected your lesson planning process?
A: Standards and standardized testing is an important part of teaching. This question assesses the
candidate’s understanding of what is expected of them, how they plan their curriculum, and
whether or not they will just “teach the test”.
Example:
“Standards are clearly an important focal point for the curriculum. I believe that thorough
curriculum planning and assessments are the best way to structure the year and ensure that
students cover the required material. The way that I approach this is to start with the framework
of standards and build my lessons around them. I do not teach only what will be assessed in
testing, but I make sure that it is included. Objective performance is an excellent way to gauge
students’ understanding of the material and my curriculum map allows me to ensure that the
necessary skills are covered and assessed prior to standardized testing.”

Q: What do you think of technology in the classroom and how have you integrated it into
your lessons?
A: Technology has become commonplace as a teaching tool in many classrooms. This question
assesses how the candidate utilizes available technology to help students learn as well as
teaching them basic technological skills.
Example:
“I believe that technology in the classroom can be a valuable asset that helps students learn. I
also think it has the potential to be a distraction and requires the teacher to have an established
plan for acceptable use. It is important that students learn how to use technology for education as
well as teaching them basic technological literacy and I have incorporated it into my lessons by
assigning students tasks that require more advanced use of technology. For example, all of my
papers must be in MLA format. I teach the format and the students must learn to adjust margins,
spacing, line breaks, citations, and other more advanced features of word processors throughout
the year. Not only do they become experts at the formatting, they also learn how to manipulate
formatting through repetition and exploration of these features that they would otherwise not
have been exposed to. This exposure allows the students to get comfortable with the platform
and creates a foundation that helps them use technology both inside and outside of the
classroom.”
Q: What do you do when you notice one or more students struggling with course material?
A: This question helps interviewers determine whether teacher candidates have the ability to
identify struggling students and help them succeed. This is an important question to ask
candidates because not every student has the same learning style and some have learning
disabilities that prevent them from grasping a concept or school subject in the same way as other
students. Therefore, teachers need to be able to assist those students so they can learn. A good
candidate answer typically includes the following:
 Compassion for their students and their progress
 Willingness to devote additional time to students
 Specific example highlighting their actions for helping students
 Here's an example of what a good answer might look like:
Example:
"When I notice one or more students struggling with course material, I start by writing their
names and the subjects they seem to have difficulty with in my planner. I usually talk with them
at the beginning of the school day while other students complete warm-up activities and arrive
for the day. This prevents any embarrassment on their part, and it allows me to assure them that
we are going to find the best ways to help them learn. I may rearrange seating, so I can monitor
their progress closely and remain close by for questions during independent work time.

Question #1: How do you include students' parents or guardians in their education?
How to answer: Parents are an integral part of student success in school. This question allows the
interviewer to understand how you communicate and foster productive relationships with
parents. Your answer should prioritize the importance of the parent-teacher relationship in
student success and explain how you plan to create a positive working relationship.

Question #2: How do you plan on incorporating technology in your classroom?

How to answer: Technology is a valuable tool in modern classrooms. Interviewers want to
understand your comfort level with modern educational technology and your ability to
incorporate it into your lesson plans. Discuss the technological tools you plan on using in the
classroom, why you chose them, and how you will incorporate them into student lessons.

Question #3: How would you handle a disruptive student?

How to answer: This question is used to assess your classroom management philosophy and
experience. Discuss your approach to positive student-teacher relationships and delineate the
steps you would take to help a struggling student succeed. Share any previous success you have
had in classroom management.
Introductory Questions:
1. Tell us a little bit about yourself.
2. Why did you decide to become a teacher?
3. Why do you want to teach at this school?
4. What three adjectives best describe you, and why?
5. Questions about your skills, experience, and interests:
6. What strengths do you have that help you as a teacher?
7. What are some of the most important things you learned from student teaching?
8. What activities would you consider coaching or advising as part of the teaching staff?
9. How do you handle constructive criticism?
10. What do you think would be your greatest challenge in this role, and how would you
handle it?
11. What curriculum are you familiar with in your specific subject area?
12. How have your past experiences prepared you to do well in this role?

Questions about teaching style:

1. What is your teaching style/philosophy?
2. How do you keep your students engaged and motivated?
3. What would you like your students to take away from their learning experience with you?
4. What is your philosophy on classroom discipline?
5. What are your classroom rules, and how do you make students aware of them?
6. What methods of positive reinforcement do you like to use?

Scenario Questions:
 Tell me about a time you helped someone become more successful.
 Tell me about a time when you worked with a team to solve a problem.
 How would you handle a student who is consistently disruptive or defiant?
 How would you manage students on different academic levels?
 How would you cultivate positive relationships with your students?
 How would you establish authority in the classroom?
 What would you do if your lesson was not getting through to students?
 How would you provide support for students who are falling behind?
USA VISA INTERVIEW
1. Where will you go?
2. Purpose of travel?
3. How long have you been teaching?
4. What is your highest educational attainment?
5. What is your salary?
6. Have you read the booklet? Do you know your right as a worker?
7. Do you have a family member living in the USA?
8. What are your future plans?

Papasok na sa Embassy- before EI

1. may pre screening na kaagad before makapasok, prepare passport, DS 160 and confirmation of
appointment.
2. Make sure lang talaga na walang nadala na bawal, kasi yung iba pinapalabas kasi parang may
scanning sa loob, na parang sa airport, pinapasok yung bag sa something hehe
3. Papaupoin ka, tapos tatawagin na for the formal Step 1. While waiting, read the booklet na
din about worker’s rights hehe

Official Steps
Step 1. Pre Screening
Parang Interview na partial hehe. You will give your passport, DS 2019 and 2x2 pic. No need na
ang confirmation. They will ask you kn important question, complete name, where are you
going, and if recent kinuha yung pic hehe. Ibabalik sa iyo ang passport after.

Step 2
Biometrics
Listen lang sa nasa loob ng windom. Minsan kasi malabo talaga boses niya hehe.
Parang sa fingerprinting lang , four fingers, and thumb hehe both Left and Right
After this, most awaited part!!!

Step 3- Interview
Nasa DS 2019 lang talaga so no worries. Stay composed , be confident and smile hehe